Domestic violence organizations in Connecticut are asking for help this GivingTuesday as they face a major reduction in federal funding next year.
Groups like Interval House depend on federal funds to support survivors of domestic violence. However, they are bracing for an up to 80% cut in funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which was established in 1984.
Mary-Jane Foster, President & CEO of Interval House, explained that the organization currently receives about $600,000 annually from VOCA. Next year, they could lose up to $400,000, which funds critical services like court advocates.
“Most people have never been in a courthouse,” Foster said. “Victims already dealing with trauma need help understanding the legal system and what’s next for them.” Without this funding, Interval House may have to cut three to four court advocate positions.
The situation is dire statewide, too. Meghan Scanlon, President & CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, says that 127 out of 400 advocates across the state could lose their jobs. Additionally, VOCA funds the CTSafeConnect hotline, a 24/7 statewide resource for victims. If the hotline is affected, it could make getting help more difficult and less efficient.
“This could leave victims confused and bounced around as they try to find the right agency,” Scanlon said, emphasizing that such a system would not be trauma-informed.
This GivingTuesday, organizations are asking for donations to help fill the funding gap. Interval House will match donations up to $60,000, doubling the impact of every contribution.
Other groups, like Safe Futures in New London, are running special initiatives. Their “Tree of Hope” project features a mural of 500 hand-painted tiles. Donations support victims and give survivors a chance to create and add their own tile to the mural.
“It’s a wonderful day to show the world what kind of person you are,” Foster said, encouraging support for the cause.
Your contributions this GivingTuesday could help ensure that vital services for domestic violence survivors continue despite funding challenges.